Jia Lissa
For two decades, the glittering ballroom of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) has served as a cultural touchstone, a place where athletes, actors, and icons trade their day jobs for dance shoes. Yet, for all its longevity and massive viewership, the show has spent the last ten years largely on the outside looking in when it comes to the industry’s highest honor: the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
That drought has officially ended. With the release of the 2026 Emmy nominations, the Television Academy has signaled a renewed appreciation for the long-running juggernaut, marking the first time the series has appeared in this marquee category since 2016. As the show prepares for its historic 35th season, this nomination serves as both a validation of its enduring format and a testament to its evolution in an increasingly crowded television landscape.
The Milestone: A Decade in the Making
The return of Dancing With the Stars to the “Outstanding Reality Competition” field is more than just a celebratory moment for the production; it is a signal of the show’s successful pivot and modernization. While the series has consistently secured technical nominations—ranging from lighting design to hairstyling—the top-tier category had remained elusive for ten years.
The 2026 nomination recognizes the program’s unique ability to blend high-stakes competition with the kind of heart-warming, family-oriented entertainment that has become a rarity in the era of gritty, conflict-driven reality television. By breaking back into the primary category, DWTS finds itself competing against heavy hitters such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, Survivor, Top Chef, and The Traitors.
A Chronology of Excellence: From 2005 to 2026
To understand the significance of this nomination, one must look at the trajectory of the series. Premiering in 2005, DWTS quickly became a ratings behemoth. Throughout its first decade, it was a perennial Emmy contender, frequently lauded for its seamless marriage of ballroom tradition and primetime spectacle.
However, as the reality television landscape shifted toward more subversive formats and high-concept social experiments, DWTS faced the challenge of staying relevant. Between 2016 and 2026, the show navigated host changes, shifted networks, and experimented with new voting structures, all while maintaining its core appeal: the journey of personal growth.
The 2026 season was particularly lauded for its production value and the chemistry of its cast. By keeping the spirit of the original concept alive while sharpening its technical delivery, the show proved to the Television Academy that it isn’t just a legacy act—it is an evolving, vital piece of the modern television ecosystem.
Inside the Numbers: The Full Scope of Recognition
The Emmy nomination for Best Reality Competition Series is the crown jewel, but it is not the only accolade the show earned this year. The 2026 haul includes five total nominations, highlighting the immense effort of the behind-the-scenes crew that keeps the production running like a Swiss watch.
The full list of nominations for Dancing With the Stars includes:
- Outstanding Reality Competition Program: Recognizing the overall series excellence.
- Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program: Honoring the transformative work of the makeup team.
- Outstanding Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program: A nod to the complex, high-maintenance looks required for ballroom aesthetics.
- Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Series: Acknowledging the difficulty of capturing fluid dance movement in real-time.
- Outstanding Lighting Design and Lighting Direction for a Series: Recognizing the atmospheric work that defines the ballroom’s distinct visual language.
These technical nods are vital because they underscore the production’s commitment to quality. The choreography and performances are only half the battle; the lighting, camera angles, and aesthetic details provide the "glam factor" that audiences have come to expect from the ballroom.
Official Responses: The "DWTS" Family Reacts
The news of the nomination sent a shockwave of joy through the show’s cast and crew. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Conrad Green expressed his gratitude, framing the nomination as a collective victory.
"It’s a huge honor for the show to be nominated again in the reality competition category," Green stated. "We have a very dedicated team who work extremely hard to make the best possible show, so we’re all delighted that the Television Academy has recognized this labor of love—particularly after 20 years on air!"
Executive producer and head of casting Deena Katz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the longevity of the show’s impact. "To be recognized in our 34th season is an extraordinary honor and means the world to our entire Dancing With the Stars family. We are deeply grateful to our amazing cast, crew, creative team, and loyal fans whose passion and support have made this journey possible."
The response on social media was equally fervent. Pro dancer Alan Bersten took to his Instagram Story, exclaiming, "I don’t think you understand how special this is!!! This show is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!"
Meanwhile, Season 34 champion Witney Carson provided a poignant perspective on why the show resonates, stating, "I really can’t think of a show that deserves it more… we’re one of the only reality series that promotes unity, camaraderie, positivity. We bring joy, we bring families together."
Judge Derek Hough and host Julianne Hough also joined the chorus of celebration, with Derek noting that being part of a show that promotes "pure joy" for two decades is an achievement in itself. Even former host Tom Bergeron, a figurehead of the show’s early success, chimed in with a supportive "Bravo!!" under the official announcement.
Implications for the Future: Expanding the Franchise
This nomination comes at a pivotal moment for the Dancing With the Stars brand. ABC is currently looking to capitalize on this renewed momentum with the development of The Next Pro, an official extension of the franchise. This spinoff is designed to discover and cultivate the next generation of professional dancers, with the winner earning a coveted spot on the cast for the upcoming 35th season.
The timing is strategic. By earning an Emmy nod just as they are launching a new expansion, the producers are positioning DWTS as a growing franchise rather than a static one. The industry is watching closely to see if this "ballroom renaissance" can be sustained.
The Road to the Emmys
The 78th Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, September 14, broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock. With Mariska Hargitay tapped to host, the ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair.
For Dancing With the Stars, the evening will be a celebration of two decades of sequins, steps, and stories. Whether or not they walk away with the golden statue, the nomination itself has achieved something significant: it has reminded the television industry and the public alike that there is still a place in our hearts—and on our screens—for a show that prioritizes grace, hard work, and the sheer joy of dance.
As the industry prepares for the awards ceremony, the narrative surrounding DWTS has shifted from "legacy television" to "essential viewing." For a show that has survived changing trends, network shifts, and the passage of time, this Emmy recognition is the perfect partner for their milestone 35th season. It isn’t just a nomination; it’s a curtain call for a show that, against all odds, has learned how to keep dancing.
Lina Hope
Asep Darmawan
